Turkish troops join Afghan force

Prime Minister Ecevit is expected to discuss the Afghan situation when he meet's President Bush

ISTANBUL, Turkey (CNN) --An advance group from Turkey's air force and army is preparing to travel to Afghanistan to join the international peacekeepers.

Six members of the Turkish army will leave on Friday for the air base in Kabul to evaluate conditions for their colleagues who will follow.

Another six-member advance team from the Turkish air force will leave at the same time for Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, to lay the groundwork for the force that will be responsible for security at the facility.